Orientation to International Extension: Preparing Extension Faculty for their First International Experience Dr. Pete Vergot III Associate Professor District Extension Director University of Florida/IFAS Extension

The purpose of the orientation component of an international professional development program is to enlighten, motivate and prepare county extension faculty to be a part of international extension activities.

Planning for Success Committed extension administration providing enthusiasm and funding Committed extension administration providing enthusiasm and funding Strong leadership with developed international extension experience Strong leadership with developed international extension experience County extension faculty with a strong commitment of time and interest County extension faculty with a strong commitment of time and interest

Objectives and Activities To be better able to respond to the needs of individuals and communities impacted by cultural diversity and global interdependence To be better able to respond to the needs of individuals and communities impacted by cultural diversity and global interdependence An understanding how to become involved in overseas projects and USDA development education efforts An understanding how to become involved in overseas projects and USDA development education efforts Develop international outreach programs for local clientele Develop international outreach programs for local clientele Application of expanded knowledge and increased cultural sensitivity to local problems and programs Application of expanded knowledge and increased cultural sensitivity to local problems and programs

Objectives and Activities An understanding of assistance available on the campus An understanding of assistance available on the campus Time to develop team building skills Time to develop team building skills Information on international health, expectations of climate and information resources Information on international health, expectations of climate and information resources A chance to discuss issues with experienced faculty and students A chance to discuss issues with experienced faculty and students An opportunity to develop the objectives, agenda, activities and outcomes of the international training experience. An opportunity to develop the objectives, agenda, activities and outcomes of the international training experience.

The Orientation Process An application and review process An application and review processapplication A web site for information A web site for informationweb site web site Multi-day training sessions Multi-day training sessions Multi-day Preparation for the international experience Preparation for the international experience Preparation Discussion of the debriefing session Discussion of the debriefing session Discussion

A Few Sources of Information Global Education: What is It? Why Should You Care? Global Education: What is It? Why Should You Care?

Outcomes and Results The county faculty participating in the training program were excited to share the outcomes, results, personal feelings and benefits they received from the participation of the successful professional development experience.

““The training broadened our understanding of the family structures, cultures, customs, lifestyles and views of people around the world, allowing us to recognize similarities we share and to gain an appreciation of our differences.”” (Converse, 2002).

““We are a rejuvenated group of agents that have a greater appreciation of the support system we have within the University of Florida/ IFAS Extension program.”” (Brinkley, 2002).

““The experience created an opportunity to develop a relationship with co-workers from around the state in both a professional and personal capacity that would otherwise not have been possible.”” (Converse, 2002).

Implications for Extension A broadened understanding of the family structures, cultures, customs, lifestyles and views of people around the world, allowing us to recognize similarities we share and to gain an appreciation of our differences. A broadened understanding of the family structures, cultures, customs, lifestyles and views of people around the world, allowing us to recognize similarities we share and to gain an appreciation of our differences. An experience which creates an opportunity to develop a relationship with co-workers from around the state in both a professional and personal capacity that would otherwise not be possible. An experience which creates an opportunity to develop a relationship with co-workers from around the state in both a professional and personal capacity that would otherwise not be possible.

Implications for Extension A strengthened commitment and dedication to jobs and an energized Faculty members A strengthened commitment and dedication to jobs and an energized Faculty members A Faculty that realizes that they have many things to learn from others, but we also have a great amount of valuable knowledge they can teach A Faculty that realizes that they have many things to learn from others, but we also have a great amount of valuable knowledge they can teach A rejuvenated group of agents that have a greater appreciation of the support system they have within the University Extension program. A rejuvenated group of agents that have a greater appreciation of the support system they have within the University Extension program.

Thank you Questions? Questions? Dr. Pete Vergot III Associate Professor District Extension Director University of Florida/IFAS Extension